In a lively seaside town known equally for its medieval castle and its ice cream parlour, this ancient coaching inn is today a ‘friendly’ hotel with updated bedrooms, a stylish restaurant, and a well-preserved pub whose wonky doors, open fireplace and old photographs create much atmosphere.

A retreat from the city, the large walled garden of this suburban Victorian town house is an inviting place to hang loose.

Its past as a 12th-century Cistercian abbey bestows ‘character, eccentricity and individuality at its best’ on this atmospheric hotel, which stands amid a ‘well-maintained’ country park and ‘superb’ formal gardens.

On the site of the Roman Forum, this sleek Bailgate area hotel is ‘superbly’ located between cathedral and castle. Comfortable, compact bedrooms in the main building, modishly decorated in earthy hues, overlook the castle walls or have views of the medieval cathedral. Courtyard rooms are in the peaceful 250-year-old coach house, all conveniently on the ground floor, with parking just outside.

The views stretch to Windermere and the Langdale Pikes from this 19th-century stone-and-slate country house, which stands in large, landscaped grounds, in a green valley that leads to the rushing river.

Unparalleled fell views and ‘capable, obliging staff’ are found at this family-friendly spot on the lower slopes of Skiddaw.

In a ‘quaint village’, this 19th-century coaching inn carries on a tradition of hosting travellers journeying between York and London along the Great North Road.

Steps from the promenade, this friendly small hotel is close to many of the town’s attractions.

George Dailey’s honey-stone roadside inn, north of Oxford, is a popular village hub where locals come for the ‘excellent’ cooking – and where farther-flung guests settle in for ‘a very nice stay’.

‘A genuine sense of hospitality’ – and an interesting collection of local art – fill Una and Dermot Brennan’s ‘attractively priced’ hotel, in a pretty town between the Ring of Beara and the Ring of Kerry.

It’s not just the ‘stupendous view’, but ‘the whole ambience’ that guests find appealing about this Victorian hotel and spa on Salcombe’s tranquil estuary.

Off a single-track road amid tranquil farmland, Janie and Mike Cooksley’s quirky B&B on the Roseland peninsula is a joyous burst of artistry, colour and all-round cheer.

A short seafront stroll from the Turner Contemporary gallery, Nick Conington’s ‘smart’, modern hotel is a welcome part of Margate’s renaissance.

Within an architect-designed complex, this contemporary hotel enjoys a ‘prime position’ in the ‘serene grounds’ of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. At breakfast in the busy refectory or on the terrace, a ‘small buffet’ and ‘well-served’ hot dishes lay heavenly foundations for the day. Guests have free admission to the cathedral and its precincts, and discounts at local restaurants, ‘many within easy walking distance’.

Taste life at sea at this contemporary, ocean liner-like hotel jutting out over a private marina.

‘Friendly, attentive’ staff encourage a ‘jovial, relaxed’ feel at this updated pub-with-rooms, in a ‘cleverly renovated’ former hospital building.

The Yorke Arms is now an exclusive use venue. In the rolling Yorkshire Dales, the creeper-covered 18th-century shooting lodge, with extensive gardens, has an ‘unsurpassed’ location and dominates tiny Ramsgill. Inside, antiques and squashy sofas, plus hand-painted hessian wallpaper, are set against flagged floors and beamed ceilings. Bedrooms feature earthy colours and quirky themes: ‘Brew’ has teapot-patterned curtains. There are classy bathrooms and monogrammed linen. ‘The vegetable, fruit and flower gardens are wonderful, a real joy to walk around.’ Good walks from the door, too.

Walking distance from the attractions of South Kensington, this ‘elegant yet hip, fun’ hotel is ‘conveniently located’ for museum-hoppers and shop-till-you-droppers.

Above the busy esplanade, a glitzy hotel with views over the Thames estuary and Southend’s iconic pier. Mood lighting and metallic finishes add allure to Aurum bar and restaurant, open all day from breakfast through to fine dining fare in the evening. On sunny days the terrace takes on a jaunty holiday air.

Just outside Ipswich, a country house hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Modern, spacious bedrooms have large beds, luxury toiletries, and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and biscuits. The informal restaurant is open all day for brasserie dishes such as Ingley Dell pork fillet, roasted breast of Sutton Hoo chicken and chargrilled steaks. Overlooking sweeping lawns, a covered terrace is ideal for outdoor dining or afternoon tea.